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Friday, February 14, 2014

Phoenix AQS QuiltWeek 2014

New shoes and ugly carpet could only mean I am sitting in an airport ;-)

Last week was a big week for me. A couple of firsts happened. My first solo trip, my first teaching gig and my first time judging in a quilt competition. To say I wasn't nervous is a flat out lie, seriously. Who chooses this? Anyway...it was better than I thought. Read on.

My small little airport.

I have decided that flying isn't all that bad. I don't plan on living in fear for the rest of my life, so I said a prayer to ask for comfort while I traveled, plugged in some seriously calming music on my iPod and I was good to go. It was tough leaving Clint and the kids though, they pulled at my heart strings as I said goodbye Monday morning. Lili was bawling as Clint pulled out of the garage, it was so sad.

Monday night was lonely. I didn't talk to anyone, but I did have a lovely view of the city buildings from my hotel room. It was beautiful.

Tuesday was a bonus day and the start of this great week. I picked out my favorite shirt for the week and headed out early to be a part of judging for the quilt competition. That was fun! I was able to see all the quilts before the show started and I was part of picking out the Best of Show. What a task, but it was fun and I felt more at ease with my upcoming teaching after I left.

I had my own classroom all week - it was all "official" with the sign.

I was able to meet some amazing ladies, I could only get five of them in this picture. They put me at ease and we had the best time in the classroom. I can not thank them enough for taking my classes, they were so good to me.

After the first classes, I felt more at home in the classroom and I realized how fun it is to teach. I didn't realize that this is where I would be headed with my quilting, but I am so grateful that I get to teach what I love to do.

I had a great time with Elaine Brelsford, Executive Editor for AQS Publishing. It was fun to chat with her and she helped me feel at ease when I had to get in front of the camera. I was taped 3 different times and that was new to me, I know there will be a very long blooper reel of me being ridiculous that hopefully never surfaces - fingers crossed ;-)

One of the best parts of the show was being reunited for a moment with my Queen's Cross quilt. It is making the rounds throughout the AQS QuiltWeek shows in the Author's Exhibit, so I haven't had this quilt in my possession for a long time. It is a favorite of mine and I just loved seeing it hung up so beautifully.

After a very long show I was able to put my feet up for a minute. It was amazing. The week went so fast, I am happy to say I had only one, very short breakdown (because I missed my family) on Friday. Being away from them for a week was tough, but we made it through.

I had the chance to go through the show book and saw my quilts pictured on the AQS QuiltWeek page. This was a total honor! Thank you AQS!!

The best part of the week was getting to know the other instructors. I have made some lifelong friends and I feel so blessed to have gotten to know Linda and Melinda. They are two very talented women! I met some other great instructors but sadly didn't get pictures with them. Next time for sure!

I made it home. I almost missed my connection in Salt Lake City. I literally ran from gate C to E and had one minute to spare. I felt like I was in a movie and everyone was watching the crazy lady running in the airport. I was so excited to be home though and didn't care one bit that they were watching.

So good to hear you enjoyed your week. I wondered how you'd do without seeing your family for the duration...even a week is so very hard for a Wife/Mother!I'll bet you were a delightful teacher, by whom everyone was charmed.

I was at the quilt show too. I saw you speak Wed night. We all knew you were new to this thing, but sure thought you were cute! It gets easier with time! You did great & will keep getting better with time. You do such beautiful work! I love your book & can't wait to take a class from you someday!

Hi Judi: I went to the Phoenix show JUST to see your quilts...amazing, I was not disappointed. I also purchased your book which is equally amazing. I will be trying your techniques on my Bernina. You are one very talented young woman. Connie in California

Judi: It was fun to finally get to meet you in person at the Phoenix show.... and, I know that my blooper reel is much longer than yours. Just glad that we have Allan, our videographer, who can edit well. I'm glad you enjoyed your teaching experience at AQS QuiltWeek - it is so much fun to see the eyes of the students light up when they are learning something new.

Your class was the highlight of my trip to the AQS show - it was my Christmas gift from my dear hubby (I think I'll keep him.) And I also enjoyed learning about your path to becoming a published author. Your next classes will be a breeze! BTW, the E Concourse in SLC is always a bear - run there to make sure they haven't called your flight yet, and if not, only then can you visit the bathroom. :)

Hi Judi! And congrats! It tickled me so much because I got to know alittle about you from your blog and then I got to see your Queen's Cross on Saturday. Unfortunately, I couldn't come to any of your classes, but I did get your book and and just love it!

I loved reading your post about your trip! Were the quilting classes on the long-arm or home machines? And would you let us know the next time you get signed up to teach? There are plenty of us who would like to tap into your wonderfully talented brain! (I do have your book and it is inspiring, but I quilt on a home machine, so I definitely stall when it comes to the quilting!! Loved your pics from the air: I love to fly but hate the security checks!! Hugs, H in Healdsburg

Two of my friends took your class In Pheonix and LOVED it. I hope you will teach again next year so I can take it. Please keep us updated on all your future classes. You are a fantastic inspiration. And you do it with all your other obligations! Keep up the good work!

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About Me

I am Judi the Green Fairy of Green Fairy Quilts. Strange name you may think, but it is a fun story of when I was young and my mom would comment before she left anywhere that it would be nice if the Green Fairy cleaned up while she was gone. I usually took the hint and cleaned up. So, when we started to think of a name for our business, naturally Green Fairy Quilts was it. I love to quilt and love to design, so together with my husband Clint we have turned my passion into a business. Clint now runs the business while I get to spend my time taking care of our four children and making time to longarm quilt and design quilt patterns. Thanks for stopping by!